In the heart of Ladakh, India, Hunder Village is a special place that amazes travellers. It’s part of the Nubra Valley and is known for its dunes, rare two-humped camels, and leftovers from old Silk Road days. When you visit Hunder, you’ll see golden sand dunes with snowy mountains in the background. You can ride camels in the desert or visit old Buddhist temples for a peaceful time. Hunder isn’t just about pretty sights. The friendly Ladakhi people, mud houses, and tasty food make you feel welcome. At night, you can see lots of stars in the clear sky. If you want to try new things, relax, and see a place only a few people know about, Hunder Village is perfect. It’s high in the mountains and will give you memories you’ll never forget. We’ve curated a list of all you need to know about Hunder village for when you decide to come and experience the major of Leh Ladakh.
About Hunder Village
Beautiful but remote, Hunder village sits like an oasis in the cold desert in the Nubra Valley of Leh Ladakh, 7 km from Diskit, known for its Buddhist monastery. Nubra has acquired fame for its sand dunes, the cold desert surrounding it, Bactrian camels and its breath-taking natural beauty. Situated close to the Siachen glacier and Pakistan border in Jammu and Kashmir in north India, entry beyond Hunder village is barred as the area ahead is controlled by the Indian Army. Hunder is approximately 160 km from Leh, and one has to cross Khardung La, the world’s highest motorable pass, to reach the remote village. The high-altitude desert, with a rolling dunes and barren landscape, is the USP of Hunder village. The cold desert and sand dunes seem enigma to scores of tourists visiting the spectacle.
- Hunder is also where you can find forests of seabuckthorn, a medicinal plant rich in bio-molecules, vitamins, and nutritive properties that is popularly known as ‘Leh Berry’.
- Though the area surrounding Hunder is arid and desolate, the village is a vast expanse of green and abounds with cultivable land. Horticulture products, including apricots, walnuts, almonds, apples, and various fruits and flowers from Nubra, are much sought after.
- Because of its remote location, tourist facilities are limited in Hunder. However, the village is popular with campers. The tented accommodations maintained by private operators are not low in comfort.
- Hunder is also famous for its Buddhist monastery, Hundur Gompa, which is situated close to the Diskit monastery. It is one of the oldest monasteries in Nubra Valley.
- The Festival of Hundur is a chance to experience the ancient culture of the Hunder people. It is celebrated jointly with the Diskit monastery every year. The festival’s high points include a display of Cham dance and traditional arts and sports.
Must Read: Things To Do In Ladakh
Attractions Of Hunder Village
Image Credit: Haidercoka for Wikimedia Commons
Bactrian camels are another attraction. Native to the steppes of central Asia, the Bactrian camel has two humps, in contrast to the single-humped camels found in Rajasthan and other parts of India. The Bactrian camels were the main mode of transport when Ladakh was an essential stopover on the ancient trade routes with Central Asia. While compiling a list of the famous tourist places you should visit in Nubra Valley, don’t miss out on Hunder Sand Dunes. They are famous because of their white rolling sands, with a river flowing nearby, trees & snow-capped mountains in the distance. When one thinks of it, it is unbelievable that a desert could exist at so high an altitude! Equally surprising is the sight of the double-humped Bactrian camels, whose two humps enable them to develop resistance to cold, drought & high altitudes.
Taking a ride on these double-humped camels which gently make their way among the white sand dunes, with poplar trees dotting the landscape & the pleasing murmur of the River Shyok flowing nearby, it all makes for a memorable experience. As the evening approaches and the barren mountains are covered with the crimson hues of the sun, you wonder how such a place could exist in this mad, chaotic world of ours. Joy Rides on the Bactrian camel through the sand dunes is a must-do for the tourists who visit Hunder. Camel safari takes around two hours.
Places To Visit
This beautiful village in the Nubra Valley is one of those spots that display the stark difference between what most think about Leh. This tiny tourist spot lures visitors from across the globe to explore, witness, and enjoy its cold desert areas. Notable attractions are waiting for you to discover, such as the dunes, Yarab Tso Lake, Samstangling Monastery, Panamik, and Diskit Monastery. All these spots are not located very far from Hundar and can be covered in a day or two.
Suggested Read: Festivals Of Ladakh
How To Reach
Once you have reached Nubra Valley, which can be reached through overland journeys from Leh, you can easily reach Hundar. Srinagar can also be a good point to start a road journey to Hundar. However, since public buses are quite irregular, hiring private cabs or taxis can be a better idea to reach this village. Here are various ways you can reach Leh from various parts of the country.
By Road: Despite being a high-altitude region, Ladakh is well-linked by road networks from the major Indian cities such as Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir and Manali in Himachal Pradesh. But the point is, people can only plan their trips by road for six months, as the roads remain blocked for the rest of the year because of snowfall. So if you are planning to take your bike (after all Ladakh is the ultimate biking destination), Ladakh can be highly adventurous. There are two routes: one via Srinagar and the other from Manali.
By Bus: If you are considering a bus ride, be prepared for some ‘bumpy road ahead’—quite literally! The buses that pass through Zoji La Pass and from Manali are available from Srinagar and go via Rohtang Pass.
By Air: Reaching Ladakh by air is one of the best and most comfortable ways. Several airlines provide direct flights to Ladakh. The nearest airport to Leh is the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh and regular flights are available from cities like Delhi, Jammu, Srinagar and Chandigarh.
By Train: If the train is your preferred choice, the nearest railway station to Ladakh is Jammu Tawi, which is about 700 km from Ladakh. There are regular trains available for Jammu Tawi from Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai. From Jammu, one can hire private vehicles to reach Ladakh.
Further Read: Tourist Circuits Of Ladakh
Now that you have a list of things to keep in mind for your next vacation to see the beautiful Hunder Village make sure you plan your trip to Ladakh to these fabulous spots for the experience of a lifetime. Don’t miss out on these opportunities and book your tickets now!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hunder Village
How do I get to Hunder Village?
Hunder is accessible by road from Leh, the central city in Ladakh. The journey takes about 4-5 hours and crosses the Khardung La pass. You can hire a taxi or join a tour group. There needs to be a direct air or rail connection to Hunder.
When is the best time to visit Hunder Village?
The best time to visit is from June to September. The weather is milder and roads are usually clear. Winter (November to March) is frigid, and many accommodations are closed.
What are the must-do activities in Hunder Village?
Don't miss the Bactrian camel rides on the dunes, visits to Diskit Monastery, and stargazing at night. You can also explore nearby villages and try local Ladakhi cuisine.
Do I need a permit to visit Hunder Village?
Yes, foreign tourists need an Inner Line Permit to visit Nubra Valley, including Hunder. Indian tourists need a Protected Area Permit. These can be obtained in Leh.
What accommodations are available in Hunder Village?
Hunder offers a range of stays from basic guesthouses to luxury camps. Many provide stunning views of the dunes or mountains. Book in advance during peak season.
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